Bridgend AM opens new STARS Centre in Bridgend

On the 4th December 2015, Bridgend AM Carwyn Jones officially opened the Skills, Training, Assessment, Resource and Services (STARS) social enterprise centre in Bridgend. It is located at Tempest House on the Brackla Industrial Estate. STARS has been formed from two organisations that support people with learning disabilities and mental health issues in Bridgend, namely Cartrefi Cymru and Homestyle.

Carwyn Jones AM said “ I was delighted to formally open the STARS centre. It is great to see an additional resource such as this being set up in our community for those people who are often overlooked in our society. Having a resource such as this will really make a difference and for many it will give them a sense of purpose, a reason to get up in the morning. This could be a lifeline to many who perhaps are unable to fill their days with any meaningful activities”.

Mr Jones added “As well as providing help and advice, the STARS centre will produce items for sale and during my visit, it was great to see some of these products being made and to see some of the items for sale including cards, bags and jewellery. Providing work opportunities alongside social opportunities will not only raise the confidence levels of the people who are able to access these opportunities but also provide much needed revenue for the centre”.

Jill Nicholson from Cartrefi Cymru said “Cartrefi Cymru and Homestyle Care were pleased to welcome First Minister Carwyn Jones to open our new STARS Community Interest Company. Stars has come about as a result of Cartrefi Cymru and Homestyle Care working in partnership to develop a new resource for the Bridgend community. Our aim is to provide a resource for people with learning disabilities and with mental health issues to gain the skills that they will need to live more independently and to move into paid or voluntary employment. STARS will produce items for sale, and be a hub for advice and assistance for people in the area, providing both work and social opportunities and quality, valued day activities for people with learning disabilities and/or mental health issues”.